AI Art Copyright: What You Actually Need to Know

"Can I sell AI art?" "Do I own AI-generated images?" "Will I get sued?" These questions come up constantly. The legal landscape is genuinely complicated, but here's what we know so far.

Can AI Art Be Copyrighted?

In the US, copyright currently requires human authorship. The US Copyright Office has denied registration for purely AI-generated images. If an AI created the art without significant human creative input, it may not be copyrightable.

But here's the nuance: if you significantly modify, curate, or arrange AI outputs, those human contributions might be copyrightable. The creative expression in your prompt might count too — though this is still being debated in courts.

Can You Use AI Art Commercially?

This is the question most people actually care about. The short answer: generally yes. Most AI image generators, including Bladdit, grant you rights to use generated images commercially.

You can use AI images for social media, marketing, products, prints, and most business purposes. The lack of copyright actually works in your favor here — you don't need permission from a copyright holder because there may not be one.

What About Selling AI Art?

Selling prints, merchandise, or digital downloads of AI art is generally fine. People do it every day on Etsy, Redbubble, and similar platforms. Just be transparent that your work involves AI if marketplaces require disclosure.

The bigger question is value: buyers are increasingly savvy about AI art. Pure AI outputs may be seen as less valuable than hand-modified or significantly curated AI-assisted work.

The Artist Style Question

This is the trickiest area. If you generate images "in the style of" a living artist, you might be on shaky ground. Artistic style isn't generally copyrightable, but some artists have raised concerns about AI mimicking their distinctive work.

Courts are still sorting this out. To stay safe, avoid explicitly mimicking specific contemporary artists, especially in commercial contexts.

Likeness and Trademark Issues

Even if copyright doesn't apply, other laws might. Generating images of real people can violate their publicity rights. Using brand logos or trademarked characters like Mickey Mouse could be trademark infringement.

Keep AI art generic when it comes to identifiable people and brands, particularly for commercial use.

Different Countries, Different Rules

Copyright law varies globally. What's true in one country may not apply in another. The EU, UK, and other jurisdictions are developing their own frameworks for AI-generated content.

If you're operating internationally, be aware that legal standards may differ.

Practical Takeaways

• →Commercial use is generally fine — Most platforms grant you usage rights for generated images.
• →Copyright protection is uncertain — Pure AI output may not be copyrightable; human modification helps.
• →Avoid copying specific artists — Especially living artists, especially commercially.
• →Be careful with real people and brands — Publicity rights and trademarks still apply.
• →Laws are evolving — What's true today may change. Stay informed.

The legal landscape for AI art is genuinely unprecedented. Courts, legislatures, and copyright offices worldwide are still figuring this out. For now, use common sense, stay informed, and when stakes are high, consult a lawyer.